Utility module for walls

Abstract

An electrical service module for wall installation is disclosed. The module includes upper and lower plate assemblies which extend between adjacent studs and are supported at their ends on such studs. Various types of electrical outlets are mounted on such plate assemblies and are supplied with conductors which extend along the wall cavity. A cover is removably installed to cover the opening of the module, and provides a resilient seal around its periphery to seal the module opening. The cover is spaced from the wall along at least two edges and the seal is locally compressed by conductors or cords extending into the module along such edges.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wall service module comprising a pair of spaced substantially parallel studs, wall panels mounted on opposite sides of said studs cooperating to define an interior wall cavity, a pair of spaced, substantially parallel plates extending between said studs and substantially perpendicular thereto, said studs and plates cooperating to define a module cavity separated from said wall cavity, an opening in at least one of said panels providing access to said module cavity, a plurality of service outlets mounted on said plates connected to electrical cable extending along said wall cavity, and a cover removably mounted on said opening providing access to said module cavity when removed and closing said module cavity when mounted, said cover permitting cords to extend from the wall exterior into said module cavity when said cover is mounted in position over said opening. 
     
     
       2. A wall service module as set forth in claim 1, wherein spacers having a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of said panel adjacent to said opening are secured to said studs, and said plates provide a face portion mounted on said spacers flush with the surface of said panels adjacent to said opening. 
     
     
       3. A wall service module as set forth in claim 2, wherein said module cavity is deeper than said wall cavity, said face portions cooperating to define a zone of increased wall cavity depth adjacent said module cavity allowing installation of wider service outlets. 
     
     
       4. A wall service module as set forth in claim 3, wherein said plates include two separate sheet metal pieces, one of which provides said face portion and the other of which supports said service outlets. 
     
     
       5. A wall service module as set forth in claim 4, wherein said cover provides a resilient seal engaging the wall around said opening, said resilient seal being locally compressibly by cords extending into said module. 
     
     
       6. A wall service module as set forth in claim 1, wherein said cover provides a resilient seal engaging the wall around said opening, said resilient seal being locally compressible by cords extending into said module. 
     
     
       7. A wall service module as set forth in claim 6, wherein said cover is spaced from said wall along at least two opposite edges to allow cords to extend past said edges into said module. 
     
     
       8. A wall service module assembly comprising: a pair of elongated support plate assemblies adapted to be mounted at their ends on adjacent wall studs in spaced parallel relationship, a cover adapted to be removably mounted on a wall to close said module, each of said plate assemblies and cover providing end connectors which releasably interlock to releasably connect said cover to said plate assemblies, said plate assemblies being adapted to support outlet boxes for supplying various types of electrical connections to said module, said cover providing a peripheral seal engageable with a wall to seal the module and being locally deformable by cords extending past said seal into said module. 
     
     
       9. A wall service module comprising a wall providing spaced vertically extending studs, first and second spaced parallel rows of wall panels mounted on opposite sides of said studs, an opening in one panel of said first row between adjacent studs, and a module assembly including plate means mounted on said adjacent studs which extend across the space between said rows and cooperate with the rearward side of panels of said second row to define part of a module cavity having a module cavity opening surrounded by a surface in the plane of said one panel, female service receptacles mounted on said plate means and open to said cavity adapted to connect with electrical cords extending into said cavity through said cavity opening, and a removable cover mounted on said plate means and extending beyond said cavity opening along said surface and spaced from said surface, said cover providing a peripheral resilient seal engageable with said surface around said cavity opening to seal said cavity and being locally deformable by cords extending past said seal into said cavity. 
     
     
       10. A wall service module as set forth in claim 9, wherein said adjacent studs cooperate with said plate means and the rearward surface of a panel of said second row to define said cavity. 
     
     
       11. A wall service module as set forth in claim 10, wherein said plate means provide horizontally extending, vertically spaced portions in which said receptacles are mounted.